REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 20, 2026
FROM
JANKI PATEL, Acting Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT
Title
Grant Award from the California Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness and Response for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Laboratory Training and Assistance Funds
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve and accept grant award from the California Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness and Response for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Laboratory Training and Assistance, in the amount of $45,000, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
(Presenter: Janki Patel, Acting Director, 387-9146)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not require Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The award, in the amount of $45,000, for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Laboratory Training and Assistance does not require a match. Adequate appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) 2026-2027 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The PHEP Laboratory Training and Assistance award is a one-time allocation for the training costs of one Public Health Microbiologist Trainee (Trainee), an existing budgeted DPH position housed in the Public Health Laboratory. DPH will use the funds to provide materials and supplies to support DPH’s efforts to ensure that laboratory personnel have adequate training to continue essential functions and services. The training curriculum includes state-recommended topics, such as lab safety, support services, diagnostic methods, serology, practical lab work, and other requirements to qualify for the Public Health Microbiologist Certification Exam. As part of the grant terms, the Trainee must complete the training and the certification exam.
On June 25, 2026, pursuant to County Policy 05-13, the County Administrative Office approved and authorized the submission of the PHEP Laboratory Training and Assistance application to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in the amount of $45,000 for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
On August 4, 2026, DPH received notice of the PHEP Laboratory and Assistance grant award, in the amount of $45,000, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
This item is being presented at this time, with a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2026, as this is the first date available following receipt of grant award notification and the required operational, fiscal, and legal reviews. Approval at this time will not impact DPH’s services or activities.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 5, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Guy Martinez, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-5428) on October 1, 2026.